Sunday Services - 10:00 a.m.
July 6: Unitarian Universalists, Liberal Protestants, and Evangelical Christians: Seeking Common Ground and Learning to Appreciate the Differences Jai Ghorpade
Music will be provided by Elaine Harper and Richard Wilkie.
July 13: Couldn’t Help Myself Rev. Kathleen A. Green
When was the last time you just couldn’t help but tell someone about Summit or about Unitarian Universalism? Has there ever been such a time in your life? What would it take for you to be so excited, inspired, and challenged that you just couldn’t help yourself? Rev. Kathleen just can’t help but share her thoughts on this subject with you!
July 20: Standing on the Side of Love Rev. Kathleen A. Green
At our General Assembly each year various social justice issues are brought to the gathered delegates from congregations all over the country for discussion. Votes are cast for or against resolutions to be taken up by our association. This service will focus on the GA experience in Ft. Lauderdale and the issues that call us to stand on the side of love.
July 27: Breaking Free From Our Comfort Zones Miles Beauchamp
A comfort zone can, of course, be many things: A person, your home, your car, perhaps your personal comfort zone is not being within shouting distance of anyone. What gets you out of your comfort zone? Is it really a comfort zone or a stagnate zone or, perhaps worst of all, a prison zone? We’re going to be exploring some of this, playing a bit, and delving into the fun of ourselves as we look at breaking free – and the word truly is free – of our comfort zones
Aug. 3: Gimme That UU Religion: A Revival Service Leader – Gwen Baldwin
There will be a pancake breakfast before the service. Please see page 7 for more details.
From the Minister’s Mailbox
Dear Ones,
As you are reading this month’s newsletter, the General Assembly in Ft. Lauderdale is either winding down or has ended. I have no doubt that Debbie Wingard, and Mitchell and I will have lots of interesting information and reports to share with you upon our return. This will be my sixth General Assembly and it is always an amazing experience. Please remember that I will be taking one week of my study leave from June 29-July 7. I will return to the office on Tues., July 8. If you have a matter that you feel needs attention before my return, please email me.
Summer is a great time to travel, visit family & friends, and just simply take some time off. Unfortunately, crisis, loneliness, illness, and conflict do not take the summers off! Neither do exciting, growing congregations! That is why I chose not to take all of my vacation and study leave during the summer. I will be at Summit off and on during July and August, and I encourage you to attend the summer Sunday services whenever you are in town. We need each other all year round and it is good to check in with one another, share our stories, and offer support. No matter where you go this summer, remember that you can always come home to Summit. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Yours for the good cause, Rev. Kathleen
From the President’s Desktop
Dear Friends,
I am sitting in Florida waiting for the 2008 GA to begin. Last year was my first GA and I am very excited to be able to attend again this year. It is such an incredible experience to be at a meeting with thousands of Unitarian Universalists! I will bring back lots of information and I am hoping that many of you can share this experience next year in Salt Lake City.
The Board received an excellent presentation this month by the Planned Giving/Endowment Committee. Vic White, Rod Orth and Mary Braunwarth have carefully researched and developed a plan for Summit’s long-term fiscal health that the Board enthusiastically endorsed. Over the next few months the Committee will be sharing details with the Congregation, asking for feedback, and refining the proposal. Then next fall there will be a Congregational Meeting to vote on adoption of the plan and any associated changes to our bylaws.
The Board also discussed Summit’s upcoming 20th Anniversary – yes 20 years together! We are planning on lots of fun and fellowship this fall to celebrate our wonderful community. If you would like to help plan the fun, please let me know.
This will necessarily be a short column, as I am off to attend the first session at GA!
Yours in Fellowship, Debbie
THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL MEMBERS & STAFF!
The Board of Directors would like to thank the following for their generous support of our fellowship. We appreciate all you do to make Summit a wonderful place to be!
Mark Bryning for organizing the Library move and leading implementation of the Growth Task Force recommendations.
Connie Henry for her loving guidance of all of our youth all year round, and especially for her support of this year’s Coming of Age class.
Jai Ghorpade for sharing his expertise with Summit and his dedication to developing Summit’s organizational plan.
Vic White, Mary Braunwarth, and Rod Orth for their dedication to the development of Summit’s Planned Giving Program and Endowment Fund.
Lisa Garvey for organizing an amazing year of concerts, culminating in the wonderful night with Strange Woods!
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Summit is growing, and fast. In early 2006, we had 104 members. Currently we have 157. In two years, we’ve grown from a pastoral size community to a program size community. Such growth affects decision making processes, and raises a question: How do members participate in congregational decision making in a program size community?
I first heard the distinction between a pastoral and a program size UU community when I was on the Summit Ministerial Search Committee. I was acutely aware of the recent changes at Summit. John McQuaide had attended the Summit leadership retreat, and they had discussed the breadth of the changes and accomplishments at Summit. He explained that, as congregations grow, they require different kinds of government.
A pastoral size community has between 50 and 150 active members. In healthy pastoral communities, a leadership circle (including the minister and a small number of lay leaders) directs the various congregational ministries. Usually, there isn’t a need for a “committee structure” or full-time staff members. Everyone is directly involved in making decisions. A program size community ranges from 150 to 300 active members. A board of directors primarily focuses on policies. A well defined committee structure reflects and executes the different congregational ministries (pastoral care, religious exploration, etc.). A full time staff supports the work of the board and the committees. The board and the committees make most of the operational decisions for the congregation, seeking input from the membership. Congregational meetings are held to make decisions not delegated to the board or committees.
Now I’m on COM (the Summit Committee on Ministry), with Pat Bryning (Chairperson), Roberta Osuyos, Jack Shu, Pat Summers, and Reverend Green. COM’s mission is to evaluate the different ministries pursued by Summit (social action, worship services, membership, etc.), and to serve as a sounding board for congregational concerns.
As a program size congregation, most decisions at Summit will be made by the board and the committees. Of course, the board and the committees will seek congregational input, and congregational meetings will be held to make momentous decisions. But to insure that your input is heard, it’s more important than ever to get involved with the board and committees. For an excellent discussion of this, I suggest Alice Mann’s The In-Between Church. Also, COM will lead a circle discussion focused on this issue on August 10th.
See you soon! —Mark Wheeler
Save the Date!! August 10, 11:30 am.
“Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?
Facilitated by COM (Committee On Ministry)
Within the Congregation
♥ Recently Ellen Gifford was honored for her volunteer work at Helix Charter High School and at the YMCA. Congratulations to Ellen, for a life-time contributing to others!
♥ Please remember Shirley Corbett in your thoughts and prayers. She has moved to Florida to be near her daughter after falling and breaking a bone.
Summit Knitting Ministry
The work continues! Summit’s Knitting Ministry will meet on Thurs., July 3, at 1:30 pm in the Salon. We will also offer a second meeting time this month – Tues., July 8, at 9:30am in the new library. You can choose to attend one or both of these meetings. All are welcome to join us as we continue creating comfort shawls for the Summit community, children’s blankets for Linus Project, and chemo caps for Grossmont Hospital.
Meet the Minister on the 2nd Sunday of the month
Visitors and those considering membership are welcome to join Rev. Kathleen after the worship service on the 2nd Sunday of the month, July 13, from 11:30-noon. We will meet in the office for informal discussion in order to get to know one another and give you an opportunity to ask the minister questions regarding Unitarian Universalism and the Summit community.
From Your Office Administrator
I am in short supply of office volunteers and it is getting worse with summertime upon us. If you can spare one morning or afternoon a week to help answer phones, do copying or other office work please call me at 619-562-0833 or email summitunitarian@sbcglobal.net, to coordinate what times you might be available. The work is very light office stuff and I’m really not demanding! Thank you!
— Linda Peck
Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
Summit UU Roots & Shoots: Our summer program is underway. We are now part of the international network of kids and adults working toward positive change for animals, the environment and the human community, using a model based on knowledge, compassion and action. Ideas are being generated and plans formed as to just how we will do that. Summiteers of all ages are welcome in this effort. Please let me know if you’d like to be involved.
Wizard party: On June 20, thirty wizards and other related creatures gathered at Summit to escape the triple digit temperature and celebrate the beginning of summer vacation. We ate pizza and other charmed delectables, made hats and wands, created potions, had our palms read, sculpted amulets, played a wizard top game and hopped, skipped and jumped in a dragon’s egg (or was it purple potato?) relay. Special thanks to Hayley Lekven for her wizardly decorations!
Many thanks to our June volunteers: Mahrya Hafner, Suzanne McQuaide, Jim Weed, Mark Wheeler, Alan McQuaide, Doris Wascher, Michelle Beauchamp, Stacey Scott, Leslie Robard, Shelley Lekven, Elinor Weed, Pam Kerr, Kit Kerr, Geoff, Norma Pizarro, Marissa Henry, Teresa Palombo and Mary Braunwarth.
Please contact me with any questions, concerns or ideas.
Social Action Corner -
Service Is Our Prayer
Helping Others In East County
Almost $450 was collected at the June 15 service to provide support to Survivors of Torture, International, a non profit group. Thank you, Summitarians, for your continued efforts, providing hope and help for those in need.
How Can You Help In Summit Social Action Efforts?
Items
Baby Goods for Crisis House – The S.A.C. will be collecting baby goods on Sunday, July 20th ; diapers, baby wipes, formula and baby food. Crisis House has informed us that these items are the most needed for families experiencing hard times. Thank you for any donation, large or small!
Recycle Your Old Jewelry For a Good Cause! Everyone has some jewelry on hand that they no longer like or wear. We will be collecting your unwanted jewelry (and beads) and recycling them into updated, fresh looks. The collecting will take place through the summer and September. A group of creative jewelry makers will then meet a few times to make lovely new jewelry from your rejects. These fresh, new creations will be offered at a sale in November, perfect for holiday giving.
The first $300 raised will be for the social action committee’s (SAC) fund. SAC makes donations to various disaster collections (bus tokens to Katrina victims in San Diego, blankets & other items to wildfire shelters) and also occasionally provides emergency help when requested by organizations such as Crisis House. Any amount over $300 will go towards another organization, to be announced later. Please contact Rene Schad (619-448-8131) with questions.
Fair Trade Coffee: Fair Trade coffee and chocolate bars will be for sale on July 13th after the service in the Salon. Look for our table just to the right inside the door. This will be the last of the chocolate bars as they don’t ship them again until cooler weather in the fall. Questions or orders? Contact Lynne Slaughter.
People Power:
Pride Parade–Join other UUs as we let San Diego know we truly believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual by marching in the Pride Parade on Saturday, July 19th. You can ride in a trackless trolley car, march or join the Pride Parade Rainbow Parasol Team! Contact Gwen Baldwin (gwenbaldwin@gmail.com) or call 619-697-3485. For more info on the parade, go to http://sandiegopride.org/6/Parade.htm.
Amnesty International: The July meeting of the East County Chapter of Amnesty International is Monday, July 28th at 7 pm at Summit. Questions? Please contact Viraj Ward.
Please join us for the next Social Action Committee meeting in conference rm. #1 at 8:30 am, Sunday, July 13th. Newcomers welcome! Questions? Contact Gary Baldwin.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS –
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND REVIVAL!
Come join us on August 3rd for a pancake breakfast from 8 – 9:30 am. The breakfast will be followed by a service featuring a UU Revival. (Remember Sister Gwen from the Gala?) We’ll be selling tickets for the breakfast in July, dates to be announced. There will be a sign-up sheet available starting June 29th for those of you who would like to help with the breakfast. Plan to start your day off right with good food, good friends, & good conversation. Contact Rene Schad with questions or offers of help.
Freethinkers
Tuesday, July 1, Wendell Rawlins will provide literature and lead a discussion on U.S. Energy Independence, the political agenda whereby the U.S. would eventually approach self-sufficiency in its energy needs. The alternative fuels of natural gas, ethanol, electricity, and others will be discussed.
Rummage Sale Coming!!
I have volunteered to chair the next Summit Rummage Sale. The date has been changed to Saturday, September 13. It would help tremendously if you would follow these guidelines:
1) Clean your items, such as kitchen appliances and plastic toys
2) Don’t include any broken or stained items (Ask yourself… would I buy this?)
3) Jackets, coats and clothing that are in good repair only (no old t-shirts, socks, pajamas etc.)
4) Clean linens with no stains
5) Electronic equipment should be limited to items that are not “out of date” and must be in good working order.
6) Furniture must be in good condition
—We will not be inviting you to bring your items to Summit until the week prior to the sale, due to storage space restrictions.
Please begin to organize your sale items now. It would be helpful if you could pre-sort your items into categories (toys, sporting goods, kitchen etc.) Please consider saving anything you feel is “precious,” for the next Service Auction instead of the rummage sale.
I will announce in the e-news when the planning meeting will be held. So be on the look out! Also, if you are willing to help out in some way, please send me an email at ellylou@cox.net so I can add you to my contact list. Thank you Summit for your generosity! –Elly Dotseth
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is sorry to say we are losing 2 of our committee members - Gwen Curry, who will be the Secretary of the Board of Directors starting with the new fiscal year; and Patti Robison-Heyer, who has been the facilitator of the Greeters and Ushers for the past 2 years. We want to thank them both for their hard work and dedication. We will miss their contributions to the work of our committee. Jennifer White and Pat Summers have been busy recruiting volunteers to be Campus Greeters, Ushers and Visitor Hosts. Thanks to all who have volunteered! —Elaine Harper, Chair
Committee Spotlight
This month’s spotlight is taking a hiatus while all of Summit’s committees, task forces, groups and programs close out the 2007/2008 year and begin the new congregational year; some with new chairpersons, new members, new goals. Look for the spotlight to shine in August!
Adult Religious Exploration
On Wednesday, July 30, Adult Religious Exploration will sponsor another Fellowship Night from 6-8 pm. A light dinner will be served from 6-7pm followed by a choice of some fun activities appropriate for adults and older children--such as contra or Sufi dancing, sing-along activities and a uu-pictionary game. The cost will be $8 for adults, $5 for children.
Please call Margo Mariana at 619-465-7909 or Connie Henry at 619-460-4794 to let us know if you wish to attend so we can plan accordingly. We hope you will join us for another evening of lots of fun.
The ARE is still welcoming new members to join our committee. Our next meeting will be Wednesday July 23, at 1:30 pm. This will be a meeting to plan lots of fun and stimulating activities for the fall. Please be in touch with Margo Mariana for more details and/or to let us know if you wish to attend. —Margo Mariana, Chair
Singles Over 40
This will be our first exploratory meeting. We would like to see if we have some interested singles looking for ways to get out, talk, listen and have some fun. Please join us on July 24, 7:00-9:00 pm at Summit.
Art, Wine, and Cheese Reception
Summitarians and Friends are invited to an Art, Wine and Cheese Reception to view an Exhibition of Fine Art where Joan Chan will be one of the 15 painters exhibiting their work on Sunday, July 13, 2008, from 2.00 to 4.00 p.m. at the San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, Ca. 92103. A portion of the sales of artwork benefits San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care. Should you plan to attend, it is suggested you come early as parking is limited. For detailed directions please contact Joan by email or telephone.
Sunday Morning Meditation
We will have a meditation/prayer session from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. each Sunday morning before the service begins. And Wednesday Mornings at 8:30.
Directory Bandaid
Please update your directory with the following information. This will cut down on calls to the office. Thank you.
Pat Summer’s email is plsummers@cox.net. (summonkey is Hal’s address.)
Ferne Gaarder’s email while in South Dakota is fernegaarder@yahoo.com.
Al Mork’s email while in South Dakota is allanmork@yahoo.com.
Flowers for Sunday Services
The flowers at our Sunday services always add a soft spirit to the room. If you would be interested in commemorating a personal special occasion or honoring a loved one by providing a flower arrangement for a particular Sunday, contact Barbara Jania-Smith at 619-461-7039. You and your occasion will be mentioned in that Sunday’s order of service. Thank you!
Summer Reading List
As I spend my study leave catching up on reading I’ve meant to do, and wanted to do, but wound up far too busy with other things to get to those books stacked in my office and home, I thought you might want to join me! I’ve compiled a short reading list that includes some of what I will be reading this summer, as well as things I’ve read during the year. Hope you find something on the list you enjoy.
UU or congregation-related:
The In Between Church by Alice Mann (about congregational growth)
Holy Conversations by Gil Rendle (an interesting way to look at strategic planning)
The Heretics Dictionary by Fred Muir (language of reverence)
A Greener Faith by Roger A. Gottlieb
Non-fiction:
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
A Hidden Wholeness by Parker J. Palmer
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Fiction:
The Appeal by John Grisham
Lush Life by Richard Price
Classic re-reads:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
Lunch Bunch
All Summitarians who would like more fellowship and food after Sunday services are welcome to gather with the Lunch Bunch.
Since we had ice cream instead of lunch last month, let’s go to Olive Garden on July 6, at 9800 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee. Then we can dine on July 13 at Scootz, 9535 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee. Let’s meet at Coco’s, 1025 Fletcher Pkwy., El Cajon, for July 20, and finish up July 27 at Mimi’s, 9812 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee.
If you intend to join us, please print your name on the hanging sign-up sheet in the lobby during the coffee time so we can phone ahead at 11:30 for reservations. See you there!
Attention all email users:
If you are not currently receiving our eNews each Monday and Friday, and you would like to, please contact Wendell Rawlins at wrawlins@cox.net. The Summit website, www.summitarian.org, has a calendar with the latest schedule of events, our newsletters, and a special members only section (call the office for the password).
The 2008 Directory update is available in the office on Sunday mornings. The first copy for members and friends is free, after that they are $2.00 each.
The Scene at Summit’sAugust 2008 edition deadline will be Monday, July 21, and the Mailing Party will be Thursday, July 24.
Summit’s Office Information
Minister: Rev. Kathleen A. Green: 619-562-0833, ex. 203 / summitrev@cox.net
Office Schedule: Monday - Day off
Tues. - 10:00 to 4:30, call for appointments
Wed./ Thurs. - 1:00 to 4:30, call for appointments
Fri. - Minister’s Study day
DRE: Connie Henry: 619-562-0833, ex. 204 / conniehenry@cox.net
Office Admin./Editor: Linda Peck: 619-562-0833, ex. 202 / summitunitarian@sbcglobal.net
President: Debbie Wingard: dwingard@ucsd.edu
—ATTENTION—
Editor’s Corner
Solar Electrical System
We all have a great opportunity to support Summit and the environment! Norm Dessel donated his time and expertise to design and contract for a solar energy system. Now an anonymous donor has offered to match every donation to the Solar Fund, so that we can qualify for the state rebate! Combined with donations to date, we are very hopeful that we can raise the $30,000 needed. We can cancel the contract should we fall short, but really hope that is not necessary. If you can support this wonderful cause (maybe with your tax incentive? ) please contact John McQuaide or Linda at the office. We are happy to answer any questions.
